With the UFC nonetheless going through criticism for transferring ahead with UFC 249 on Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Area in Jacksonville, Florida, one of many greatest names on the cardboard has been pressured out of the occasion after testing optimistic for coronavirus. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was set to face Uriah Corridor on the occasion, however ESPN revealed late Friday night that Souza had examined optimistic for COVID-19 and was subsequently off the cardboard.

The information comes after Souza had efficiently made weight for his struggle and engaged in a staredown — although completed with correct “social distancing” restrictions — with Corridor earlier within the day on Friday. In keeping with the ESPN story, Souza had knowledgeable UFC officers a member of the family had examined optimistic through the pandemic however was asymptomatic. After his check returned a optimistic, he was faraway from the cardboard, as anticipated.

Regardless of Souza testing optimistic, UFC 249 remains to be scheduled to go on as deliberate on Saturday night time in Jacksonville.

In keeping with the Las Vegas Overview Journal‘s Adam Hill, the Florida fee said they saved Souza “remoted” after he disclosed contact with an contaminated relative. That stated, Souza was nonetheless current on the weigh-ins right now, utilizing the identical amenities as each different fighter on the cardboard.

Jacksonville supplied UFC 249 the go-ahead after a 30-page doc detailing security efforts through the pandemic was submitted by the UFC.

“A part of what gave us consolation was a plan they outlined associated to testing these they’re bringing to Jacksonville associated to COVID-19,” Jacksonville chief administrative officer Brian Hughes advised ESPN. “Primarily based on what we have been briefed, it’s clear that they will check for COVID they usually’ll have a few completely different segments of testing all through the week.”

Souza is on a two-fight dropping skid, together with his most up-to-date struggle the place he tried a transfer to gentle heavyweight however was defeated by rising contender Jan Blachowicz.

UFC 249 was rescheduled from its unique April 18 date as a result of world pandemic which has halted social gatherings and enforced strict journey restrictions. Within the lead-up to the occasion, the UFC instituted a number of security protocols for the occasion, together with rigorous testing for fighters and cornermen concerned.